Yachts are a highly attractive target for armed robbery. According to the Dockwalk, on 27th January 2016 pirates attempted to attack the 70ft Golden Eagle off the east coast of Nicaragua. The pirates approached the Nordlund vessel north of Colombia-controlled Isla Providencia, while Golden Eagle was transiting from Colon, Panama, to Roatan, Honduras. There were 4 people on board, including the owner's 4-year-old son.
"We are all fortunately okay, but the sixty-foot steel fishing vessel tried to ram and board us," wrote Andrea Peterson, owner of the yacht. "A chase ensued, and we were able to outrun them going full speed at fourteen knots. I think we lulled ourselves into a false sense of security cruising the Caribbean Sea."
We advise you to take all the necessary precations while cruising, because yachts are designed for easy access: there are big swim platforms and a lot of non-bulletproof glass. Be aware that the pirates' vessels can run at 35-40 knots while some superyachts can only reach a top speed of 17 knots. David Goldie of Akula Yachts strongly recommends armouring your yacht by getting internal covers for large windows or buy ballistic film. Barbed wire, strobe lights and sound alarm deterrents are also used to keep attackers at bay.
As for this incident, all the details were given to the Miami Coast Guard station.
"We are all fortunately okay, but the sixty-foot steel fishing vessel tried to ram and board us," wrote Andrea Peterson, owner of the yacht. "A chase ensued, and we were able to outrun them going full speed at fourteen knots. I think we lulled ourselves into a false sense of security cruising the Caribbean Sea."
We advise you to take all the necessary precations while cruising, because yachts are designed for easy access: there are big swim platforms and a lot of non-bulletproof glass. Be aware that the pirates' vessels can run at 35-40 knots while some superyachts can only reach a top speed of 17 knots. David Goldie of Akula Yachts strongly recommends armouring your yacht by getting internal covers for large windows or buy ballistic film. Barbed wire, strobe lights and sound alarm deterrents are also used to keep attackers at bay.
As for this incident, all the details were given to the Miami Coast Guard station.
Columbus Yachts has delivered the 47-meter Atlantique series superyacht M/Y Acqua Chiara, now available for charter through Fraser Yachts. The steel-hulled vessel with aluminum superstructure measures 9.1 meters in beam with a 2.4-meter draft and 499 gross tonnage. Designed by Hot Lab with naval architecture by Columbus Yachts, the yacht features twin 1,350hp engines delivering a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and transatlantic range of 3,400 nautical miles at 12 knots.The exterior profile showcases Columbus' signature explorer styling with three-tiered stern areas including a covered dining space, pool lounge with fold-out balconies, and swim platform positioned just 50cm above water level. Interior spaces blend classic and contemporary elements with white parquet flooring, natural oak ceilings, and specialized finishes including Vetrite glass panels and geometric Sicis mosaics. The main salon features custom white upholstered sofas with blue accents, Fendi armchairs, and a 75-inch TV integrated into Stopsol glass.Owner accommodations on the main deck include a full-beam suite with Galaxy blue glass walls, leather-clad furnishings, and Bonaldo lighting. The en-suite bathroom combines white marble with silver mosaic detailing and includes both a tub and hammam shower system. Four additional guest cabins comprise two king-size and two twin cabins, all with private marble bathrooms featuring Sicis mosaic work. Crew quarters accommodate eight staff in four cabins forward, with the captain's cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse.Upper deck spaces include a swimming pool area convertible to an open-air cinema, formal dining for twelve with Viabizzuno chandelier, and a forward lounge with full-height windows creating terrace-like sea views. The sundeck offers a central relaxation area with console seating aft and sunpad with bar forward. Storage solutions include a starboard garage for the 5-meter tender and portside garage housing a rescue tender and two jet skis.M/Y Acqua Chiara represents the third delivery in Columbus' Atlantique series, following previous 40m and 43m models. The yacht is currently available for Mediterranean charters through Fraser Yachts, though specific rates remain undisclosed. Specializing in semi-custom and full-custom builds (37m–120m), Columbus offers four lines: Atlantique, Crossover, Sport, and Classic. Its flagship 80m Dragon exemplifies its craftsmanship. As part of Palumbo Superyachts, the brand provides end-to-end owner support alongside sister yards ISA Yachts, Mondomarine, and Extra Yachts.Credits: Columbus Yachts
July 14, 2025
Monaco-based Dynamiq presented five new superyacht concepts ranging from 41 to 55 meters during a private event at Maison Moghadam on July 3, 2025. The showcase, titled "Five Senses. Five Superyachts," featured designs from three studios: Mark Berryman Design, H2 Yacht Design, and Sturge & Toth.Global 550Mark Berryman Design introduced three interior concepts:GTT 135 (41m): A Mediterranean/Bahamas cruiser with natural oak, stone flooring, and seagrass panelingGlobal 450 (45m): An explorer yacht featuring light oak joinery and transformable furnitureGlobal 550 (55m): A long-range explorer with smoked oak, marble finishes, and bronze accentsGlobal 450H2 Yacht Design previewed interiors for the GTT 180 Heritage, a 55-meter aluminum neo-classic superyacht scheduled for full debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. The design incorporates calacatta gold marble, shagreen leather, and custom bronze detailing, with furnishings from American brands Baker and Holly Hunt.GTT 180 HeritageSturge & Toth presented a new 45-meter exterior concept under Dynamiq's GST line, featuring a double-balcony master suite and convertible pool area. The design evolves Dynamiq's existing platform with what the designers describe as "timeless elegance."Sturge & Toth delivered a compelling presentation that invited guests into their creative processConstruction will occur at Dynamiq's Antalya facility, which features a 2,000-ton syncrolift and collaborates with European subcontractors. The yard specializes in builds up to 65 meters with hybrid propulsion options.Event attendees received a private tour of Maison Moghadam's material collections, highlighting Dynamiq's partnership with Monaco-based luxury suppliers. No construction timelines or pricing were disclosed for the new concepts.Mark Berryman, Ben-Julian Toth, Gianluca Sist, Toby Sturge and Dynamiq Founder Sergey DobroserdovDynamiq CEO Sergei Dobroserdov noted the presentations demonstrate the shipyard's "expanding design capabilities across multiple yachting segments." The company currently has four superyachts under construction at its Turkish facility.Dynamiq was founded in 2014 by experienced yacht broker and designer Sergei Dobroserdov. Dynamiq is the first company in the superyacht industry to introduce an online configurator, allowing the yacht to be easily and transparently customized down to the last detail. Dynamiq unveiled its first launch at the 2016 Monaco Yacht Show.Credits: Dynamiq
July 14, 2025
Italian builder Invictus Yacht will debut two new 16.87-meter models at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14, 2025). The ST550 and TT550 represent divergent design approaches within the brand's portfolio, both developed by designer Christian Grande and built at Cantieri Aschenez.ST550The ST550 introduces a new shuttle-style range focused on enclosed living spaces, featuring teak and mahogany finishes with Volvo Penta IPS800/950 engine options. "This model delivers a refined, private cruising experience," stated Invictus Marketing Manager Valentina Procopio.ST550Conversely, the TT550 evolves the brand's existing TT line with foldable side terraces and carbon-fiber hardtop, prioritizing open-air Mediterranean cruising. Both models offer customization through the Atelier Invictus program, with the TT550 debuting in "Stone White" and ST550 in "Spectrum Blue" color schemes.TT550The shipyard will also display a redesigned TT460 featuring sustainable innovations including recyclable honeycomb panel construction. Additional models at the show include the TT420 and GT370.TT550No pricing was disclosed for the new flagships, which join Invictus' existing range of 8-18 meter models. The Cannes presentation marks the 10th anniversary of Cantieri Aschenez's operations. General Manager Rosario Alcaro noted the projects demonstrate the yard's "grown production capacity and technical expertise."The Italian shipbuilder produced open type boats with multiple vocations. The debut production will include two ranges of leisure boats, corresponding with two types of propulsion: inboard-outboard for the “GT” series, more tending to leisure and sailing, and outboard for the “FX”, more technical and sporty. Credits: Invictus Yacht
July 14, 2025
Turkish builder Alia Yachts has delivered the 52.5-meter Limerence, a full-custom expedition yacht designed for both luxury charters and extreme adventure operations. The vessel, now available for Mediterranean summer charters through Christie Yachts, will reposition to the Caribbean for winter season.Developed with Azure Yacht Design, Limerence features a commercially certified helideck approved for Bell 429 and Airbus H145 operations, complete with integrated refueling systems storing 2,000 liters of jet fuel. The yacht carries four tenders deployed via a 7.5-ton crane, including a custom Wajer 38S and 12.5-meter X-Tender, alongside comprehensive diving gear and water toys.The helideck converts to a sports court with netting for basketball or volleyball, while below deck, a dedicated watersports lounge replaces conventional salon space. Three convertible guest cabins include a full-beam owner's suite designed by Istanbul-based CT Mimarlık."Her helicopter capabilities unlock remote destinations from alpine regions to jungle airstrips," noted Christie Yachts' Caroline Antlett. Alia Yachts President Gökhan Çelik emphasized the project's custom nature: "Every system was engineered specifically for dual-purpose luxury and operational use."Limerence joins Alia's growing portfolio of expedition yachts, with four new builds currently under construction at their Antalya facility. Charter rates remain undisclosed. Winter operations may expand to include Costa Rica pending regulatory approvals.Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 m2, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.Credits: Alia Yachts
July 11, 2025
The latest 60-meter Amels Limited Editions superyacht has arrived at Damen Yachting's Vlissingen facility for outfitting, following hull construction at the company's Gydnia shipyard in Poland. Scheduled for delivery in 2027, the vessel marks the eighth hull in the Amels 60 series.Designed by Espen Øino with custom interiors by Laura Sessa, the 853 GT yacht will accommodate 12 guests and 13 crew. Project Manager Joppe Osté noted: "We're excited to begin outfitting and look forward to collaborating again with Laura Sessa's team, given their experience with Amels Limited Editions."The Amels 60 series features hybrid propulsion options and meets IMO Tier III emissions standards. Seven units are currently operational worldwide, primarily in Mediterranean and Caribbean charter service.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
July 11, 2025